Tubular running system

ABSTRACT

A tubular running system including a running tool system for running wellbore tubulars, a tubular handling system connected to the running tool system, a drive system connected to the running tool system, and the tubular handling system having two spaced-apart extensible arms movable toward and away from the running tool system, in one aspect with an elevator connected to the arms for releasably engaging a tubular to be moved with respect to the running tool system.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation of U.S. Application Seri al No. 11/414,511 filedApr. 28, 2006 from which the present application claims priority underthe Patent Laws.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This present invention is directed to, among other things, wellboretubular running systems; tubular handling apparatus for such systems;and methods of their use.

2. Description of Related Art

The prior art discloses a wide variety of wellbore tubular runningsystems, including, but not limited to, those disclosed in U.S. Pat.Nos. 6,443,241; 6,637,526; 6,691,801; 6,688,394; 6,779,599; 3,915,244;6,588,509; 5,577,566; 6,315,051; and 6,591,916, all incorporated fullyherein for all purposes.

The prior art discloses a variety of tubular handling apparatuses, e.g.,those disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,527,493; 6,920,926; 4,878,546;4,126,348; 4,458,768; 6,494,273; 6,073,699; 5,755,289; and 7,013,759,all incorporated fully herein.

Certain prior tubular running systems and methods using them requirecontrolled manipulation of a tubular through a rig V-door area usingrope(s) and/or a tailing arm; stabbing board operations and othernecessary manual handling of tubulars; the use of power tongs forcertain functions; a relatively large number of personnel withassociated expenses and stand-by costs; and a separate single jointelevator to be mated with a running tool system.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

The present invention discloses, in certain aspects, discloses a tubularrunning system which includes: a tubular running tool (e.g., but notlimited to, a casing running tool and a pipe running tool); a drivesystem (e.g. a rotary drive system, a power swivel system or a top drivesystem); and a joint handling system connected between the running tooland the top drive system. In certain particular aspects the jointhandling system is a single joint system located between a running tooland a top drive. In other aspects, multiples (e.g. doubles or triples oftubulars) are handled.

In certain particular aspects, the single joint handling system has twospaced-apart extensible arms between whose ends is pivotably connectedan elevator for releasably engaging a tubular. In one aspect the armsare moved toward and away from the running tool by mechanical apparatus,e.g., but not limited to, by a rotary actuator. In other aspects, one,two, or more cylinder apparatus connected at one end to the extensiblearms and at the other end to the running tool or to a mount body move(s)the arms toward and away from the running tool.

Certain prior art running tool systems employ a relatively long lowerstabbing guide to assist in the acquisition and positioning of atubular. Certain of such guides use a relatively wide, relatively longskirt section for guiding a tubular with respect to the running tool.With certain embodiments of the present invention, the single jointhandling system pulls a tubular coupling up to or into a running tool sothat a relatively short, smaller stabbing section or bell can be usedwhich results in a shorter overall system length. A compensatorassociated with the running tool can be used to facilitate theintroduction (“soft stab) of a pin/male tubular end into a box/femaletubular end.

In one aspect, after the single joint handling system elevator isconnected to a tubular, the traveling equipment is raised until thetubular stand is in a vertical position under the running tool. Theextensible arms are then extended to lower and “soft stab” the tubularstand into a tubular coupling of the tubular string, e.g. a string heldin the slips at a rig floor rotary table.

It is, therefore, an object of at least certain preferred embodiments ofthe present invention to provide new, useful, unique, efficient,nonobvious systems and methods, including, but not limited to, singlejoint handling systems, tubular running systems, and methods of theiruse.

Certain embodiments of this invention are not limited to any particularindividual feature disclosed here, but include combinations of themdistinguished from the prior art in their structures, functions, and/orresults achieved. Features of the invention have been broadly describedso that the detailed descriptions that follow may be better understood,and in order that the contributions of this invention to the arts may bebetter appreciated. There are, of course, additional aspects of theinvention described below and which may be included in the subjectmatter of the claims to this invention. Those skilled in the art whohave the benefit of this invention, its teachings, and suggestions willappreciate that the conceptions of this disclosure may be used as acreative basis for designing other structures, methods and systems forcarrying out and practicing the present invention. The claims of thisinvention are to be read to include any legally equivalent devices ormethods which do not depart from the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

The present invention recognizes and addresses the problems and needs inthis area and provides a solution to those problems and a satisfactorymeeting of those needs in its various possible embodiments andequivalents thereof. To one of skill in this art who has the benefits ofthis invention's realizations, teachings, disclosures, and suggestions,other purposes and advantages will be appreciated from the followingdescription of certain preferred embodiments, given for the purpose ofdisclosure, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.The detail in these descriptions is not intended to thwart this patent'sobject to claim this invention no matter how others may later attempt todisguise it by variations in form, changes, or additions of furtherimprovements.

The Abstract that is part hereof is to enable the U.S. Patent andTrademark Office and the public generally, and scientists, engineers,researchers, and practitioners in the art who are not familiar withpatent terms or legal terms of phraseology to determine quickly from acursory inspection or review the nature and general area of thedisclosure of this invention. The Abstract is neither intended to definethe invention, which is done by the claims, nor is it intended to belimiting of the scope of the invention or of the claims in any way.

It will be understood that the various embodiments of the presentinvention may include one, some, or all of the disclosed, described,and/or enumerated improvements and/or technical advantages and/orelements in claims to this invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

A more particular description of embodiments of the invention brieflysummarized above may be had by references to the embodiments which areshown in the drawings which form a part of this specification. Thesedrawings illustrate certain preferred embodiments and are not to be usedto improperly limit the scope of the invention which may have otherequally effective or legally equivalent embodiments.

FIG. 1A is a front view of a tubular running system according to thepresent invention with a single joint handling system according to thepresent invention.

FIG. 1B is a side view of a systems of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a side view of a systems of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D is a perspective view of the system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1E is a partial perspective view of part of the single jointhandling system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1F is a side view of a system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a schematic view of part of a method according to the presentinvention using systems according to the present invention.

FIG. 2B is a schematic view of part of a method according to the presentinvention using systems according to the present invention.

FIG. 2C is a schematic view of part of a method according to the presentinvention using systems according to the present invention.

FIG. 2D is a schematic view of part of a method according to the presentinvention using systems according to the present invention.

FIG. 2E is a schematic view of part of a method according to the presentinvention using systems according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This is a description of embodiments of the present invention preferredat the time of filing for this patent.

FIGS. 1A-1D show a system 10 according to the present invention whichincludes a tubular running tool system 20; a drive system 30 (shownschematically, FIGS. 1A, 1D; e.g., but not limited to, a top drivesystem); and a single joint handling system 50 according to the presentinvention. The tubular running system 20 may be any suitable knowntubular running tool apparatus and, in one particular aspect, is acasing running tool system, e.g., but not limited to, a known casingrunning tool Model CRT 14 as is commercially available from NationalOilwell Varco, owner of the present invention.

The drive system 30 can be any suitable known top drive system or powerswivel system that can rotate tubulars which is connectible to a derrickD (see FIG. 1B). Optionally a drive system is used with an upper IBOP Uand a lower IBOP L. In one aspect the drive system is a National OilwellVarco TDS 11 500 ton system.

The single joint handling system 50 has a base S with two spaced-apartbeams 51, 52 connected by a crossmember 59. Each beam 51, 52 ispivotably connected to a corresponding shaft 53, 54 (which may be asingle unitary shaft through the mount body) projecting from a mountbody 55. Arms 61, 62 are extensibly mounted on the beams 51, 52,respectively. Cylinder/piston apparatuses 56 (shown schematically)within the beams and arms (and connected thereto) move the arms 61, 62with respect to the beams 51, 52. Hoses 57, 58 provide power fluid tothe cylinder/piston apparatuses 56 (e.g. from a typical power fluidsource on a rig). A single joint elevator 60 is pivotably connected toends 71, 72 of the arms 61, 62. Any suitable known elevator may be used.In one particular aspect, the elevator is a Model SJH commerciallyavailable from National Oilwell Varco. According to the presentinvention, such an elevator is modified to be remotely-operable with aclosed feedback system. In one aspect a tilt system 70 providesselective controlled tilting of the elevator 60. The tilt system 70 hasa piston-cylinder apparatus 73 interconnected between the arm 61 and abody 65 of the elevator 60. A line 66 connects the system 70 to acontrol system CS (shown schematically, FIG. 1E), e.g., a rig controlsystem, a TRS (trademark) system, a top drive control system (e.g., butnot limited to, a known National Oilwell Varco Driller's ControlStation, or a stand alone driller's control system and station that istemporarily or permanently installed on, with, or into an existing rigcontrol system.

In one embodiment pivot cylinder apparatuses 81, 82 are connectedbetween the mount body 55 and the beams 51, 52. Hoses 57, 58 providepower fluid (e.g. from a rig power source PS, shown schematically, FIG.1D) to the cylinder apparatuses 56 and 81, 82. Each cylinder apparatus81, 82 has one end connected to a shaft 91, 92, respectively, projectingfrom the mount body 55 and an end of a piston 83, 84, respectively,connected to one of the beams 51, 52. Extension and retraction of thepistons 83, 84 results in movement of the arms 61, 62 with respect tothe running system 20. Optionally, the pivot cylinder apparatuses 81, 82are connected to the system 20 or to structure above the system 20.Optionally, only one pivot cylinder apparatus is used.

A pin 95 projecting form the mount body 55 projects into a fixture 32 ofthe pipe handler 34, e.g. a torque tube of a pipe handler 34 to reacttorque generated by the tubular running system 20 into the fixture 32(and to structure interconnected therewith) and to prevent rotation ofthe system 50 with the system 20. Optionally, as shown in FIG. 2E, a pin96 (or multiple pins) extend from the mount body 55 into a stabbing bell39 of the drive system 30 which prevent the system 50 from rotating withthe system 20.

In certain aspects, a system 50 according to the present invention fallswithin a width envelope of a top drive system above it.

FIG. 1F shows another embodiment of a system 10 a, like the system 10,and like numerals indicate like parts. The system 10 a has no pivotcylinder apparatuses 81, 82. The beams 51, 52 (one shown in FIG. 1F; asin FIG. 1A); connected arms (not shown; as in FIG. 1A); and elevator(not shown; as in FIG. 1A) are moved toward and away from the runningtool system by a mechanical apparatus 74 that rotates the shaft 53 a asingle shaft extending through the mount body 55 to which both beams areconnected. In one particular aspect the mechanical apparatus 74 is arotary actuator apparatus with parts 74 a, 74 b interconnected with theshaft 53 a (or two rotary actuator apparatuses if each beam is mountedto a separate shaft, e.g. shafts 53, 54).

FIGS. 2A-2E illustrate one method according to the present inventionusing a system 10 according to the present invention to move casing on arig R (e.g. a typical drilling rig system) above a wellbore W. As shownin FIG. 2A the drive system 30 has been lowered and the arms 61, 62 havebeen extended toward a piece or joint of casing C in the V-door area Vof the rig R having a rig floor FR. The elevator 60 is latched onto thepiece or joint of casing C below a coupling CG of the casing C. Such astep is used in adding a joint of casing to a casing string eitherduring the typical casing of an already-drilled bore or in acasing-drilling operations. Sensors SR (shown schematically) indicate tothe control system CS the extent of extension of the arms 61, 62; theangle of the beams 51, 52 with respect to the system 20; and the latchstatus of the elevator 60.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the joint of casing C has been hoisted upwardly byraising the system 10 in the derrick. Optionally tailing rope(s) and/ortailing arms(s) are used to support the joint C during this movement. Inone aspect no such rope(s) or arm(s) are used and the system 50 supportsthe joint C.

As shown in FIG. 2C, the joint of casing C has been moved over thewellbore W in line with a string ST of casing. The coupling CG has beenpulled up within the running tool system 20 by the single joint handlingsystem 50 by retracting the arms 61, 62.

FIG. 2D illustrates lowering of the joint of casing C down to the topjoint of the casing string ST for threaded mating and connectiontherewith. The system 10 is then lowered so that the coupling CG islocated within the running tool system 20 so that holding slips 29within the system 20 can be set on the body of the casing joint C andnot on the coupling (see FIG. 2E, coupling CG and slips 29 in dottedlines).

The present invention, therefore, provides in some, but not innecessarily all, embodiments a tubular running system including: arunning tool system for running wellbore tubulars; a tubular handlingsystem connected to the running tool system; the tubular handling systemhaving two arms comprising two spaced-apart extensible arms extendablein length and movable toward and away from the running tool system. Sucha method may have one or some, in any possible combination, of thefollowing: an elevator connected to the arms for releasably engaging atubular to be moved with respect to the running tool system; the tubularhandling system is a single joint handling system; a tubular to behandled by the tubular handling system is connected to at least oneadditional tubular; the tubular to be handled is connected to twoadditional tubulars; the tubular running system including engagementapparatus connected to the two arms for selectively engaging a tubular;wherein the two arms are sufficiently extensible and movable to move thetubular up to the running tool; wherein the wellbore tubulars arecasing; a body positioned above the running tool system, and the twoarms pivotably connected to the body; pivoting apparatus connected tothe two arms for moving the two arms with respect to the running tool;wherein the two arms are connected to movable shaft apparatus on thebody, the tubular running system further including the pivotingapparatus including rotation apparatus for rotating the movable shaftapparatus to move the two arms toward and away from the running toolsystem; pivoting apparatus having a first end and a second end, thefirst end pivotably connected to the body and spaced-apart from the twoarms, and the second end pivotably connected to the two arms; a drivesystem connected to and above the running tool system; and/or whereinthe drive system is a top drive system for wellbore operations.

The present invention, therefore, provides in some, but not innecessarily all, embodiments a method for running tubulars, the methodincluding engaging a tubular with a joint engagement apparatus of atubular running system as any disclosed herein with a running toolsystem according to the present invention; and moving the tubular to therunning tool system with the joint handling system. Such a method mayhave one or some, in any possible combination, of the following: whereinthe arms of the tubular running system are sufficiently extendable andmovable to move the joint into the running tool system, and moving thejoint into the running tool system; wherein the joint engagementapparatus is an elevator; wherein the tubular running system includes abody positioned above the running tool system, the two arms pivotablyconnected to the body, and pivoting the arms with respect to the runningtool system; wherein the tubular running system further comprises adrive system connected to and above the running tool system; and/orwherein the drive system is a top drive system for wellbore operations.

In conclusion, therefore, it is seen that the present invention and theembodiments disclosed herein are well adapted to carry out theobjectives and obtain the ends set forth. Certain changes can be made inthe subject matter without departing from the spirit and the scope ofthis invention. It is realized that changes are possible within thescope of this invention and it is further intended that each element orstep recited herein is to be understood as referring to the stepliterally and/or to all equivalent elements or steps. This specificationis intended to cover the invention as broadly as legally possible inwhatever form it may be utilized. All patents and applicationsidentified herein are incorporated fully herein for all purposes.

1. A tubular running system comprising a running tool system for running wellbore tubulars, a tubular handling system connected to the running tool system, the tubular handling system having two arms comprising two spaced-apart extensible arms extendable in length and movable toward and away from the running tool system, anti-rotation apparatus for selectively preventing the tubular handling system from rotating with respect to the running tool system.
 2. The tubular running system of claim 1 further comprising an elevator connected to the arms for releasably engaging a tubular to be moved with respect to the running tool system.
 3. The tubular running system of claim 1 wherein the tubular handling system is a single joint handling system.
 4. The tubular running system of claim 1 wherein a tubular to be handled by the tubular handling system is connected to at least one additional tubular.
 5. The tubular running system of claim 4 wherein the tubular to be handled is connected to two additional tubulars.
 6. The tubular running system of claim 1 further comprising the tubular running system includes engagement apparatus connected to the two arms for selectively engaging a tubular.
 7. The tubular running system of claim 6 wherein the two arms are sufficiently extensible and movable to move the tubular up to the running tool.
 8. The tubular running system of claim 1 wherein the wellbore tubulars are casing.
 9. The tubular running system of claim 1 further comprising a body positioned above the running tool system, the two arms pivotably connected to the body.
 10. The tubular running system of claim 9 further comprising pivoting apparatus connected to the two arms for moving the two arms with respect to the running tool.
 11. The tubular running system of claim 10 wherein the two arms are connected to movable shaft apparatus on the body, the tubular running system further comprising the pivoting apparatus comprising rotation apparatus for rotating the movable shaft apparatus to move the two arms toward and away from the running tool system.
 12. The tubular running system of claim 9 further comprising pivoting apparatus having a first end and a second end, the first end pivotably connected to the body and spaced-apart from the two arms, and the second end pivotably connected to the two arms.
 13. The tubular running system of claim 1 further comprising a drive system connected to and above the running tool system.
 14. The tubular running system of claim 13 wherein the drive system is a top drive system for wellbore operations.
 15. A method for running tubulars, the method comprising engaging a tubular with a joint engagement apparatus of a tubular running system, the tubular running system having a running tool system for running wellbore tubulars, a joint handling system connected to the running tool system, and the joint handling system having two spaced-apart extensible arms movable toward and away from the running tool system with the joint engagement apparatus connected to the arms for releasably engaging a tubular to be moved with respect to the running tool system, anti-rotation apparatus for selectively preventing the tubular handling system from rotating with respect to the running tool system, moving the tubular to the running tool system with the joint handling system, and selectively preventing the tubular handling system from rotating with the running tool system.
 16. The method of claim 15 wherein the arms are sufficiently extendable and movable to move the joint into the running tool system, the method further comprising moving the joint into the running tool system.
 17. The method of claim 15 wherein the joint engagement apparatus is an elevator.
 18. The method of claim 15 wherein the tubular running system includes a body positioned above the running tool system, the two arms pivotably connected to the body, the method further comprising pivoting the arms with respect to the running tool system.
 19. The method of claim 15 wherein the tubular running system further comprises a drive system connected to and above the running tool system.
 20. The method of claim 19 wherein the drive system is a top drive system for wellbore operations. 